Okuru tells Fuu that she can't travel with him. He's wanted for killing a government official. He tells Fuu that if she has friends, she should travel with them. The people you travel with become your family, and she isn't alone. He explains that his wife and kids are with him.

Mugen's hostage says that Okuru killed everyone in the village and the official. He's demented from the epidemic. Mugen says he'll catch Okuru, and he sets the man free.

Fuu has fallen asleep. Okuru leaves some supplies and turns aways. But Momo-san catches up to him. He says that he has no more seeds, but it goes with him.

Jin is next to the river and finds Fuu's shoe. He spots Mugen's hostage and follows him. The hostage returns to the their camp and reaffirms that Mugen is not the fugitive. However, the offical says that interference is still punishable. Mugen is to be killed if seen again. Another guard returns. He reports sightings of a fire and arrow shavings. Jin has heard everything and disappears.

Mugen is wandering the forest and hears the melody of music. Okuru remembers his story.

In the winter, he returns to find his village in flames. He checks each body and sees his wife clinging to their child. But, he's too late.

Mugen asks Okuru if he wants to be found. The tune is something he remembers from his own childhood. Mugen says he's from the South, and it's funny that they listen to the same things. Mugen explains the mishap from earlier. He'd like to fight Okuru.

Fuu awakes to find that she's all alone. On top of the cliff, she spots a man and screams. Jin arrives to calm her. She asks if he regrets leaving her. He says he thought she drowned and returns her shoe. He was going to leave it with her body. Fuu notices Jin's wound. He explains that he jumped in the waterfall. They ask one another about Mugen, but are unsure about his whereabouts.

Okuru explains that someone from Matsumae-Han brought the epidemic, and his village died from it. Mugen changes the subject to Okuru's eyes. They are similar to the eyes of a head that's been cut off. Mugen asks if he is truely alive. Okuru says that it may be time for him to finish his journey and fends of Mugen.

Yukimaru dashes from the cliff to finish the score with Jin. Yukimaru says people seek these mountains for they represent death and rebirth. He wasn't fooled by Jin. Yukimaru says that Jin will never die until he kills him. Jin betrayed him. There's a break in their fight.

Jin pauses as he listens to Yukimaru's heart and breathing. Yukimaru then makes a mad sprint. Jin raises his sword, which drives in Yukimaru. With his last breaths, he says that he wanted to be like Jin, not have his glory. Fuu and Jin pray for him. Jin says he was like a brother.

Mugen and Okuru's fight is interrupted by a flash of burning arrows. They're surrounded, but both retreat behind a gap. Jin and Fuu here the commotion and follow the action. Momo-san arrives and shows them the way. Okuru tells Mugen that he believes what he said. He may have died that winter. Then, he emerges and gives himself up.

The official says that he will return with Okuru's head. Okuru insists that he doesn't know the true story. Okura retraces his thoughts.

The govt official was afreid that the epidemic would spread, so he burneded the village. That's when Okuru killed him.

The official says that it's not his decision to make, and he has a job to do. Fuu and Jin arrive, which alerts a flock of birds. The guards fire the arrows into Okuru and he's set aflame. He walks towards the official and kills him

Mugen and Jin intervene and attack the guards. Mugen is surprised to see them. Okuru walks to ledge and we see the prologue from the previous episode. Mugen knows he is alive and will survive.

So much for the ghost of Yoshitsune says Fuu. Mugen now asks Fuu what she plans to do when she finds the Sunflower Samurai. Revenge? She replies with a "sort of", the revenge for her mother.

Jin breaks the silence and says that they should find some food. Jin and Mugen head off and, Mugen asks which way to Nagasaki? They reminisce about food. Fuu is confused. But she is reassuredly happy and catches up with them.

Notes:
This episode revolves around death and rebirth. Okuru dies, but Mugen is sure that he is truely alive and will survive after his death.

Fuu reveals why she is searching for the Sunflower Samurai.

This episode features a new ending and song. It features scenes of Okura instrument, the landscapes. and pleasant scenes.

This was also the end of the Japanese first season.